What To Do When Your Transmission Is Slipping Or Making Noise

The transmission in your car is the first point in the drivetrain that gets the power from the engine to the rear wheels of the vehicle. If there is anything in the transmission that is not working the way it is designed to, you may not be able to drive the car at all. Noises, clunks, and other odd behavior from the transmission should be checked out to avoid further damage.

Noises From Under The Car

Often a whining noise or other odd noise under the car can be traced back to the transmission or differentials. In either case, ignoring it is not going to make it go away. In fact, it is more than likely going to make it worse. By the time the transmission starts making noises that are loud enough to hear inside the car, the problem is more than likely pretty serious. Clanging noises or dripping under the car can also be signs of problems that should be checked out right away.

Slipping Or Shifting Issues

Another sign that you need to have the car checked out at a transmission shop is slipping when you try to move the car or a transmission that will not shift properly. Whether it is an automatic or a manual transmission, a transmission that won't shift could be a sign of a clutch problem or a clogged fluid filter in the transmission itself. In most cases, these are not easily services at home, but a good backyard mechanic with the right tools might be able to handle it.

If you are not comfortable with this kind of work, it is better to take the car into a shop and have a technician check it out. Replacing the clutch or dealing with a pump or other issue inside the transmission can be time-consuming so you may need to allow a few days or a week for the work to be done but getting it fixed right is important.

Rebuilt Transmissions

In cases where the entire transmission needs to be replaced, the shop may offer you the opportunity to install a rebuilt or remanufactured transmission. These transmissions are good and will last as long as the car if the work is done right but can save you a lot of money. In some cases, your transmission can be removed and rebuilt as well, but it will depend on what is damaged and just how extensive the damage is.  If the transmission case is in good shape, the internal parts can be replaced most of the time but if not, replacing it might be the only option you have.

For more information, contact a company like AAA Commercial Transmission.


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